Roughly 75% of working Americans are in debt, with over half of them convinced they will be in debt for the rest of their lives. Most of these individuals earn anywhere between $50,000 and $99,000 a year, considering 70% of them are in debt.

The average salary in tech ranges from a whopping $100,000 to $200,000 a year as of 2022, and the best part is, you can learn skills in tech without the fear of drowning in a sea of debt down the road.

Not only are you making more money than the average American, but you’re avoiding a life-long problem most Americans are facing. The problem is, most of these people took the traditional route and went to a four-year college to earn a degree they probably didn’t use.

The unfortunate reality is that universities overcharge and under-deliver, resulting in serious problems for students across the country. The worst part is that most don’t know how to dig themselves out of it.

If you’ve been harboring an interest in the tech industry, but you’re worried about spending an arm and a leg on a degree, take a deep breath, because today we’re breaking down three tech career paths that won’t bury you in debt.

With resources at your fingertips, it has never been easier to learn new skills in tech.

1. Software Developer

In 2011, Scott Young graduated with a business degree from the University of Manitoba in Canada. He was interested in adding computer science to his skill set.

Instead of paying for a full tuition, he used online materials that taught him everything a university would teach but finished in just one year. Learning new skills in tech turned out to be more than beneficial for Young, who had big goals in mind.

While he didn’t receive a traditional diploma, he had mastered the subject for roughly $2000, most of which were spent on reading materials. Young advocates for online courses to garner new skills.

Software developers are typically responsible for analyzing users’ needs, developing software, and designing software to meet those particular needs. These professionals also recommend upgrades for existing systems to improve functionality.  

2. Cybersecurity Expert

Online programs are the future of learning in every industry, especially the tech sector. Distanced learning makes it possible to learn advanced skills without spending more than you can afford.

Cybersecurity professionals work to detect cyberthreats and implement effective changes to protect a company or organization. They are responsible for directing, monitoring, and containing IT threats.

3. Cloud Engineer

Cloud engineers are quickly increasing in demand, permitting startup companies to do more of their own prototyping and manufacturing. In recent years, the cloud has rapidly become a necessary foundation for today’s digital businesses.

The traditional enterprise infrastructure often struggles to migrate to the cloud. It’s a fairly big move, after all. For most organizations, this move leaves them with a major gap in cloud skills to adress in their IT department.

With that said, individuals with cloud experience are highly sought-after. The same applies for cloud engineers. To get started as a cloud engineer, there needs to be a significant mindset shift for most IT professionals. To best prepare for this change, companies must focus on:

• APIs and web services
• Cloud platforms
• Agile development
• Software configuration management (SCM)

Professionals with cloud experience aren’t exactly a dime a dozen, and organizations across the tech sector are urgently hiring people with extensive knowledge in this arena. Cloud engineers now play a crucial role in the tech industry.

The Future of Tech

The future is undeniably bright for the tech industry, and you could be a part of its evolution. The tech space is rapidly growing and the number of opportunities in the field are increasing by the day. That is why learning new skills in tech is highly beneficial in the long run.

There are many avenues to explore, and it has never been easier to receive an affordable education in this arena. In the tech industry, you have unlimited potential. For the first time in history, you have access to valuable resources that can change the course of your career in a matter of months.

Tek Setup is the affordable and reliable source of crucial information constructed by experienced professionals with a passion for tech.